The announcement was made in conjunction with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Populous, Oslund & Associates and Mortenson Construction. Target Field, the 39,504-seat open-air ballpark designed by global design firm Populous, will receive enhancements which will be in place for the 2011 baseball season.
The improvements to the field include: additional scoreboard/Twins Tower; concessions enhancements; additional radiant heat; additional Kasota stone; enhanced technology – WiFi /cell phone coverage; additional artwork; and enhancements to Target Plaza.
The Twins will install a new 28ft high by 50ft wide video display board above the right field Grandstand. The new board will ensure that all fans have quality views of replays and scoreboard info. The 100ft high LED-illuminated Twins Tower will stand adjacent to the new video board. All video components will be provided by DAKTRONICS of Brookings, South Dakota.
The Target Field food and beverage experience was highlighted by the multitude of Minnesota-themed brands such as Kramarczuks, Murray’s, Vincent, The Loon Café, Caribou, Schweigert and JD Hoyts. The Twins, in partnership with their exclusive partner DNC Sportservice, are working to add more Minnesota signature items across the ballpark. In addition, various enhancements and alterations are planned for some concession stands and food service spaces aimed at expanding menu options while improving customer service.
Additional radiant heat will be added in the Home Run Porch as well as on the Terrace Level for the 2011 season. These heating elements will allow more fans to seek additional comfort while staying connected to the game. Additional Kasota Stone will also be added along the façade below the Metropolitan Club.
The Twins will provide fans at Target Field with free WiFi Internet service through its ‘TwiFi’ network resulting in enhanced capacity and speed on portable or hand-held devises. The team will continue to work with all major carriers to ensure cell phone coverage throughout the facility.
Additional art aimed at celebrating the history of the Twins and baseball in Minnesota will be added across the ballpark. The team is expected to make an announcement regarding an additional legend player bronze statue to be unveiled during the 2011 season.
Target Plaza serves as the Gateway to Target Field. The Twins will continue to activate the public plaza during game and non game days. In addition, Phase II of the Twins Tradition Wall will be installed prior to Opening Day 2011.
Target Field, one of America’s most urban ballparks, is located in the historic Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis. Designed by Populous with Mortenson Construction serving as construction manager, the ballpark was completed at a construction cost of $440 million. In 2006, the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) was created to oversee the design, construction, and operation of the ballpark.
